Pro Tools and Logic, Tech Support

[t4mh]

Just wonderin'

I frequent some other forums out there, and on one of them I saw some rather official, disparaging remarks about the quality of tech support for both Pro Tools and Logic. To clarify, the argument was that Digidesign owns both Pro Tools & Logic. Digidesign's tech support is reported to be abysmal and being the parent company that administrates the tech support for the other two titles, it would follow that their support is in the same region.

I do not and have never used either title so I have no experience. But, I have been thinking of a possible change to one or the other. I think that support is an important issue in decision making so I would like to hear from users about their experiences with these titles with regard to tech support.

Thanks
Keith

[mazz]

I've never used either but I want to clear something up:

Avid owns Digidesign and is actually retiring the Digidesign name so it will be Avid Pro Tools from here on out.

Apple owns Logic. Logic and Pro Tools are competitors.

I can't speak to the tech support issues but it seems to be a low priority with a lot of companies these days in general so I wouldn't be surprised.

Good luck in your decision.

Mazz

[mojobone]

Yeah, what Mazz said, different companies, heh. If it helps any, I'll be moving to Logic with the next upgrade, it seems better optimized for writing, as opposed to tracking and mixing, and I can use the hardware I own already. There's an option to output files to send to PT, even.

[t4mh]

I've never used either but I want to clear something up:

Avid owns Digidesign and is actually retiring the Digidesign name so it will be Avid Pro Tools from here on out.

Apple owns Logic. Logic and Pro Tools are competitors.

I can't speak to the tech support issues but it seems to be a low priority with a lot of companies these days in general so I wouldn't be surprised.

Good luck in your decision.

Mazz

I knew I'd get the straight talk here. This other forum, they obviously are "out there"... Avid is a big name and owns a lot of other stuff! But then so does Apple. I guess I'll be seeing some hard research in my future.

Thanks
Keith

[t4mh]

Yeah, what Mazz said, different companies, heh. If it helps any, I'll be moving to Logic with the next upgrade, it seems better optimized for writing, as opposed to tracking and mixing, and I can use the hardware I own already. There's an option to output files to send to PT, even.

Hmmm, I'll have to look into this. If I'm going to make a change I'll want something that does it all. Sonar does. Ummmm I think Cubase can be made to do it also. I have a lite version of Cubase that has only frustrated me in the past. Research...

Thanks
Keith

[Len911]

Probably as important as what software you buy might also depend on where you buy it. I've bought a lot of stuff from sweetwater not only for advise on what to buy, but what will work better or what I can expect with my setup, and they also have a tech support that has quicker and better line to the makers of the software or gear if need be. I am sure there are other companies setup similiar. I've only needed their tech support a couple of times.
I'm very satisfied with Cubase5, although after visiting their forums there are always people complaining about the poor tech service or what or how steinberg should have done this or that and am amazed. It is difficult sometimes on a forum to know the source.

[bigbluebarry]

I think you're going to find people who complain no matter which DAW software you use. I'd also recommend that you look at the workflow process that each DAW has in the areas that you use the most. For example, if you do a lot of composing using Virtual Instruments, then I would probably not suggest you move to Pro Tools. Personally, I'm a Pro Tools guy (for now) but the current environment (LE 8), though it has improved a great deal since v7.4, it still is not the most conducive to writing/arranging/composing using a lot of Third Party Virtual Instruments. Now, if you're doing a lot of tracking using live instruments, that's a different story with Pro Tools. And for editing, it's SUPER EASY.

I haven't used Logic so I can't speak on that with any authority but my general impression based on what I've heard from others is that the newest version is great for arranging/composing and that the editing features in it can rival Pro Tools for ease of use, but it still has some kinks in it, as does every DAW.

Regarding Tech Support, I've had one case that I've submitted to Digidesign and the general message I received was "You have a lot of Third Party plug-ins installed."

As Mazz mentioned, Digidesign is no more. AVID has basically put all of their companies under one umbrella now. They, meaning a Marketing guy, has promised members of the Pro Tools forums that they plan on having something to show us during the 2nd half of this year. So, if you're looking at jumping into Pro Tools, you may want to hold off for now.

Personally, I've also started learning a DAW called Reaper (I think Teleblaster also uses Reaper) as it allows me to use multiple instances of the PLAY plug-in without bringing my system to a halting crash. I'm starting to venture into new musical territories, most of which use multiple VI's at a time. It's just too frustrating trying to do it in Pro Tools. When I do a typical rock track, I'm still using Pro Tools because I love how easy it is to edit and work with the audio. But... I can see the day when I may be using Reaper as my go-to DAW in EVERY situation...

hth,
- Big Blue

[t4mh]

Probably as important as what software you buy might also depend on where you buy it. I've bought a lot of stuff from sweetwater not only for advise on what to buy, but what will work better or what I can expect with my setup, and they also have a tech support that has quicker and better line to the makers of the software or gear if need be. I am sure there are other companies setup similiar. I've only needed their tech support a couple of times.
I'm very satisfied with Cubase5, although after visiting their forums there are always people complaining about the poor tech service or what or how steinberg should have done this or that and am amazed. It is difficult sometimes on a forum to know the source.

Len, Thanks for the input. I actually live a couple of hours away from the Sweetwater store and have been there. They are an EXCELLENT company and all the people who work there are top notch! I did purchase a ton of stuff there and the things they vetted I've had no problems with, so far. I agree and would vouch for most anything from them.

Keith

[t4mh]

Barry!

So what I hear you saying, if a person could afford it, would be two machines synced. One with Pro Tools for tracking or capturing and handling audio, the other with Logic or Reason for generating audio, writing or composing, assuming that virtual instruments is the thing a person is going to do.

Now, I do LOTS of midi. Do you think Logic or Reason would handle that task or is a third machine needed for that job?

Thanks for the input!
Keith

[jdhogg]

If you do a lot of midi there is only one defacto pro choice and that is logic.
You can still get the work done with cubase et al but logic is the best...its why the pros have always used it.....its dirt cheap now and includes loads of content.

For tracking, mixing and audio in general reaper is the best....people can talk about protools or any of the other DAWs but it is more stable and flexible re routing than the rest. I dont know anyone that has tried reaper and gone to protools but hoardes are flooding from protools to reaper and not looking back.

As for compatibility AAtranslator is on the verge of completing a $99 app to translate projects from virtually any daw to any daw. Reaper can export to wav anyway.

What I am saying here is that protools is going to die.... its overpriced and buggy....it was the best..... is still a great tool but the new kids on the block are cheaper and better.....if you work in an environment surrounded by protools users then yes go for protools but for the independant musician there is no reason to tie yourself to their hardware/software and potentially high prices of protoolsHD plugins........native pc/macs with logic/reaper are the future.

I have looked at virtually all daw options....these two are the best imho.

I use both.